Volunteering at the Ames Public Library
Today is 3/15/2010
Every year, over 400 volunteers help support the Ames community by helping with various aspects of library services. We strive to match eager volunteers with rewarding positions to enhance the services and programming that Ames Public Library offers. APL Volunteer Services also works with court-ordered Community Services participants as well as library customers who would like like to address their fines by participating in our Fine Alternative Program.
Who can Volunteer?
Participants in Volunteer Services programming must be 11 years of age or older. Some exceptions may be made for groups of children completing service learning projects through school or other organizations. Additionally, because family volunteering is encouraged at APL, younger children are welcome to volunteer with their parents or grandparents .
How to Sign Up
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities, including the summer youth volunteer program, community service, and fine alternative programs, or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator at sbohlke@amespubliclibrary.org or (515) 239-5663.
Volunteer Opportunities
Ames Public Library has a variety of volunteer positions available for adults, teenagers, and families who are interested in making a positive impact on the Ames community and its quality of life. Here is a list of some of the volunteer opportunities available. If you have a particular interest or skill area not listed here, please talk to the Volunteer Services Coordinator about other opportunities.
Book Sale
Volunteers are needed for the Spring Book Sale (4/9-4/11). Volunteers will help with the set up for the sale starting on Monday 4/5; volunteers will also help with cashiering and display organization during the sale and clean up on Sunday at closing. If you are not on our current roster of Book Sale volunteers and would like to help, please contact Sarah Bohlke at 239-5663 or sbohlke@amespubliclibrary.org.
English Conversation Group
Volunteers will attend our bimonthly Conversations in English group to help enhance the conversational skills of non-native English speakers. This is not a classroom setting but instead a very informal and fun way to give new English speakers a chance to practice their skills and meet new people. An informational meeting for volunteers is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20th at 2:30pm. Our first official group will meet on Wednesday, January 27th from 2:30-4:00pm and will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month after that. Volunteer do not need to attend every group.
Home Delivery
Assistance is needed to help select books and other library materials for various delivery locations. Volunteers are needed once a month for 2-3 hours prior to assigned delivery date. The schedule is very flexible.
Program Advisory Group for Older Adults
Volunteers are invited to participate in a new advisory group intended to assist Library staff in enhancing our adult program series. Please join us on Tuesday, January 26th at 10:00 in the Library Auditorium to share your thoughts. Subsequent advisory meetings will be scheduled.
There are other areas of volunteer needs not listed here including special projects and events, so please ask about opportunities that may be of more interest to you.
Contact Us
For more information, call (515) 239-5663 or e-mail sbohlke@amespubliclibrary.org.